Corrosion Prevention in Sprinkler Metal Pipes using Silicate-based Corrosion Inhibitors and Electrolyzed-Reduced Water

Buildings exceeding a specified size are mandated to install sprinkler systems in underground parking lots to suppress fires until the fire department arrives. However, the metal pipes used in these sprinkler systems are highly susceptible to corrosion, which can lead to rust formation and associated issues, thereby diminishing the reliability of the fire protection system and resulting in significant economic losses for the building. This study examined the corrosion inhibition mechanism of electrolyzed-reduced water and silicate-based corrosion inhibitors via electrochemical analysis. Additionally, their effects on the protection of metal pipes were assessed. After the formation of a protective film by injecting the inhibitors into fire suppression pipes for 72 h, its corrosion prevention performance was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electrochemical techniques. Results demonstrated that the protective film effectively inhibited corrosion, reduced the corrosion current density, and significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the metal pipes, thereby extending their expected service life.